New pledge of $1.2m for playgroups that help autistic kids

Playgroups for autistic children will get a $1.2 million funding boost to develop more sensory activities and allow new toys to be bought.

Playgroups for autistic children will get a $1.2 million funding boost as part of an announcement by the federal government.

Ahead of next week’s federal budget, Families Minister Paul Fletcher will today unveil the funding which will help support the PlayConnect playgroups program for a further 12-months. It will enable them to develop more sensory activities for autistic children or those

displaying autism-like symptoms and facilitate the purchasing of new toys.

An additional $200,000 will also be rolled out to support community BBQs and morning teas that connect families who have children with disabilities, particularly in rural areas.

The money is all part of the Coalition’s pitch to families ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Mr Fletcher said playgroups were a vital element of improving the lives of autistic children.

“PlayConnect playgroups provide play experiences that are responsive to the needs of children aged 0-6 with autism or autism-like symptoms and provide an environment of peer-support for families,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The government recognises the importance of early intervention in giving children the best chance of realising their potential.”

Around 42 PlayConnect Playgroups across Australia help hundreds of children with disability participate in their communities and access the same choices, opportunities and experiences as other children.

More funding is coming for playgroups for autistic children. Picture: iStock

It is the only national, freely accessible, non-referral, evidence based early intervention program.

Fiona Sharkie, CEO of peak autism body AMAZE, welcomed the funding but said more needed to be done to fix delays in NDIS support for autistic children.

“While PlayConnect and services like Early Days are fantastic ingredients in the overall support of autistic children and their families the main priority of the government should be fixing issues with early intervention funding,” Ms Sharkie said.

“Fifty per cent of all children aged zero to six in the NDIS are autistic and yet there are very long delays in their funding support.

Intervening early is critical and without it these children will not make the gains they need to.”

Chief executive of Early Childhood Australia Sam Page said more money for playgroups was not what families really wanted.

“I think they want therapy services, affordable child care and quality early learning,” Ms Page said.

“BBQs and playgroups are a minor, and in my view, inadequate response. What we need to see from this Government is a serious commitment to families with young children and a proper level of investment in early education.”

Fiona May, CEO of Playgroup Australia who run the PlayConnect service said the additional funding was pleasing.

“We are very pleased that the Government has listened to our call and the voice of families that participate in PlayConnect and extended the program funding for another 12 months,” she said.

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Originally published as New pledge of $1.2m for playgroups that help autistic kids